Musical lid assembly

ABSTRACT

A lid assembly for a container is provided that comprises a base frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing. The lid assembly further comprises a sound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, and claims the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/773,423, filed Nov. 30, 2018, whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to dispensers for articles, andparticularly to a device, system, and method of operating a musicalwipes dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Dispensers for articles such as tissues and wet wipes are well known inthe art. Such articles may be provided as moistened, but also dry orwith lotion, and are often generally rectangular in shape and suppliedinterleaved, as discrete sheets, or separably connected. Dispensers forsuch articles typically include an opening through which the articlescan be removed. The opening of the dispenser can be covered by a labelor a lid that may be opened by, for example, having an adhesive that maybe sealed and unsealed repeatedly, or by having a hinged cover that canbe opened and closed repeatedly.

Baby wipes are such articles that are often dispensed from a dispenserhaving an openable and closable lid. When using dispensers for babywipes, the consumer is often having to multitask to keep the babyentertained while changing a diaper and applying the wipe to the child,which can be especially challenging for a cranky baby that is resistantto diaper changes or resistant to the application of wipes in general.Such issues can create a stressful situation for the consumer. Someconsumers utilize mobiles, sound machines, iPads, and other media ordevices to soothe a baby or keep the baby still while changing a diaper.In fact, it is known that music is soothing and calming to babies,serves as a distraction, and can help the cognitive development ofbabies. Unfortunately, such kinds of media devices are not immediatelyavailable and within reach at a changing station, or often changingstations are too crowded and do not have additional space for suchdevices.

There remains a continued need for an enhanced, efficient, and economicsystem, device, and method for creating a better experience whilechanging a baby for the consumer and for the baby, and for an improvedlid and dispenser for articles. The presently disclosed subject mattersatisfies these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be setforth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well aswill be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additionaladvantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attainedby the devices particularly pointed out in the written description andclaims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, thedisclosed subject matter includes a lid assembly for a container,comprising: a base frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame alonga longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closedposition and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing; and asound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device isactivated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and theopen position.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, adispenser system is provided comprising a base compartment defining aninternal cavity; and a lid assembly coupled with the container havingthe features described herein.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, amethod of operating a musical wipes dispenser is provided comprisingproviding a dispenser having wipes and lid assembly having the featuresdescribed above, moving the cover panel between the closed position andthe open position to access wipes in the internal cavity; and activatingthe sound device when the cover panel moves between the closed positionand the open position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description and drawings are examples and areprovided for purpose of illustration and not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosed subject matter in any manner.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the devices of the disclosed subject matter. Togetherwith the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles ofthe disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the application will be more readily understoodfrom the following detailed description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the lid assembly in aclosed position according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the lid assembly in an openposition with the sound device and sealing plate shown separated fromthe lid assembly, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lid assembly in the open position,according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict closed and open circuits of the sound device,according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in a closed positionand coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in an open position andcoupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 7 is a front partially exploded view of the lid assembly in atransition position and coupled to a dispenser, according to thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in a transitionposition and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subjectmatter;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the lid assembly alone andcoupled with a container, according to another embodiment of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lid assembly having a separablecover panel, according to another embodiment of the disclosed subjectmatter; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective and side view of a lid assemblyembodied as a label, according to the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunctionwith the detailed description of the system.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a lid assembly for acontainer is provided, comprising: a base frame; a cover panel coupledto the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panelmovable between a closed position and an open position, the cover paneldefining a housing; and a sound device disposed in the housing, whereinthe sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between theclosed position and the open position.

Solely for purpose of illustration, an embodiment of a lid assembly 100,is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The examples herein are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner.Particularly, and as illustrated, the lid assembly 100 has a base frame110 and a cover panel 140 coupled to the base frame 110. The cover panel140 is movable between a closed position and an open position, includingany transition positions there between. FIG. 1 depicts the lid assemblyin the closed position. FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the lidassembly 100 in the open position. As best shown in FIG. 1, the coverpanel 140 can additionally include a finger tab 150 to allow a consumerto grip the cover panel and move the cover panel to the open position.The lid assembly can further include other features as desired, such asbut not limited to, an area for a tail of a wipe to be stored.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover panel can be coupled to the base framealong a longitudinal side thereof by a hinge 155, such as but notlimited to a living hinge, a butterfly hinge, a bi-fold hinge, a butthinge, a concealed hinge, or a continuous hinge. Alternatively, thecover panel can be separable from the base frame without a tether, asdiscussed with respect to FIG. 10. When hingedly coupled, the coverpanel can be independently fully extended at any suitable angle, such asfor example, up to approximately 180°. In alternative embodiments, thecover panel and base frame can be coupled together along a transverseside of the lid assembly.

The cover panel further includes a housing 130, as shown in FIG. 2. Asshown, the housing 130 can includes a sidewall substantiallyperpendicular to the cover panel and extending about a perimeter of theinterior of the cover panel. The housing 130 is structured to complementthe structure of the base frame such that the housing can be housedwithin the base frame in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, thebase frame includes a recessed structure 150 to receive the housingtherein.

The cover panel and base frame can further include any number ofsuitable features. Such features are further described in PCTPublication No. WO 2016/007846, the content of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety. For example, the cover panel 140 can includea clasp 145 that mates with a ridge 135 of the base frame 110 to closethe cover panel and in some embodiments, seal the contents of acontainer coupled thereto, such as by a hermetic seal or plug seal. Asshown in FIG. 2, the base frame can further include, without limitation,an upper tab 125, a lower tab 130, and a notch 133 and can cooperatewith other devices as further described in PCT Publication No. WO2016/007846. The base frame further defines an orifice 135 such that anyarticles (such as wipes) are accessible through the orifice when the lidis in the open position and coupled to a suitable container.

As shown in the exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 2, the lidassembly can further include a sound device 230 disposed in the housing130. The sound device can be activated when the cover panel movesbetween the closed position and the open position. The sound device 230emits sound when the sound device is activated. The sound can comprise,but is not limited to, a song, music, melody, or speech. Such sound canbe aurally pleasing and be directed towards soothing, captivating, andentertaining infants and children. In one embodiment, the sound can bepre-recorded or can be recorded by the user. With recording capabilitiesby the user, a button (not shown) can be provided to permit recording ofany sounds.

The sound device can furthermore include supplemental features such ashaving a display that depicts at least one image. The image can bestatic and/or dynamic and can further include cartoons, letters,numbers, and any other images that can captivate and entertain infantsand children. The sound device can further release a scent, such as butnot limited to lavender, which is known for relaxing the nervous systemand calming infants and children. Furthermore, the sound device caninclude a light when the sound device is activated to further engage andentertain infants and children.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a sealing plate 330 can be coupled with thehousing 130 and include the sound device 230 between the sealing plateand cover panel. The sealing plate can seal and secure the sound device230 within the housing 130. The space between the cover panel and thesealing plate that houses the sound device 230 can be sealed to preventany moisture from entering therein. Once the sealing plate is coupledwith the cover panel, the sound device is hidden from a consumer whenthe lid assembly is in the open position, as best seen by FIG. 3. Thelid assembly can further include apertures 333 or a speaker to permitthe emanation of sound to exit the sound device. The apertures can bedisposed on the interior and/or exterior of the lid assembly.

The sound device has a sensor 250 that activates the sound device in theopen position (or any transition positions) and deactivates the sounddevice in the closed position. In one embodiment, the sensor includes asensor device 255 having a movable insulating tab 260 and a circuit 265.As shown in FIG. 4A, the insulating tab engages with the circuit todeactivate the sound device when in the closed position. In the closedposition, the sound device is considered “off” 270 such that sound,displays, images, lights and the like are not active, playing oremitting. As shown in FIG. 4B, the insulating tab 260 is disengaged withthe circuit 265 to activate the sound device in the open position, asknown in the art. In the open position, the sound device is considered“on” 270 such that sound, displays, images, lights and the like areactive, playing or emitting. In one embodiment, the sound device can beactive in the open or transition positions for a predetermined amount oftime, such as for purposes of example, approximately 2-3 minutes. Assuch, the sound device can automatically deactivate after thepredetermined amount of time expires even when the cover panel is in theopen or transition position. Such time lapse feature can accommodate forsituations in which the cover panel is inadvertently left ajar.

In one embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab is coupled tothe base frame or hinge and extends into the housing. In anotherembodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab is coupled to adispenser that is coupled with the lid assembly. In either embodiment,at least one end of the insulating tab can be fixed, whereas the otherend of the insulating tab can be movable with respect to the coverpanel. In other embodiments, the sensor can include, but is not limitedto, at least one of a gravity sensor, orientation sensor, and positionsensor.

The lid assembly can further comprise an override button thatdeactivates the sound device when the cover panel is in the transitionposition or the open position. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, theoverride button 335 is disposed on the sealing plate 330, but otherlocations of the button are contemplated herein. For example, theoverride button 335 can be disposed on the exterior of the cover panelto deactivate the sound device prior to the opening of the cover panel,or while the cover panel is in the open or transition position and theuser wants to deactivate the sound device. The lid assembly canfurthermore include an on/off switch that deactivates the sound devicein any position.

The lid assembly is configured to be coupled to a container, such as adispenser 400 to dispense wipes. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lidassembly 100 in a closed position and coupled to a dispenser, accordingto the disclosed subject matter. In this embodiment, the override buttonis disposed on the exterior of the cover panel. FIG. 6 is a perspectiveview of the lid assembly in an open position and coupled to a dispenser400. In this embodiment, a display 350 is provided for depicting images,as further discussed herein.

FIG. 7 is a front partially exploded view of the lid assembly in atransition position and coupled to a dispenser 400. In this embodiment,at least one end of the insulating tab 260 is fixed and coupled to thebase frame 110. In some embodiments and as shown, the sealing plate 330can be removable to permit battery changes and the like. In suchembodiments, the sealing plate can be coupled to the cover panel in anysuitable manner as known in the art. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of thelid assembly of FIG. 7 in a transition position and coupled to adispenser,

The lid assembly 100 can be any suitable shape that complements acontainer coupled thereto. The lid assembly 100 as shown in FIGS. 9A and9B has a base frame 110 of a circular shape. The lid assembly 100 can becoupled with a container having a circular opening as shown. In thisexample, the base frame 110 is coupled to the top of the container. Thelid assembly can be coupled together with the container by any suitablemechanism, such as but not limited to a threaded or snap-fit engagement.In this embodiment, the cover panel 140 is tethered by a hinge 155 tothe base frame 110 and the sound device 230 can have a sensor disposedin the cover panel 140.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the lid assembly having aseparable cover panel, according to the disclosed subject matter. Theseparable cover panel can be coupled with the container in any suitablemanner, such as but not limited to a snap fit connection. Alternatively,the cover panel and base frame can each include magnetic portions topermit the coupling of the cover panel with the base frame. As shown,the separable cover includes the sound device 230 therein. In thisembodiment, the separable cover panel can furthermore be used toentertain a child. For example, when the cover panel is disengaged fromthe container to permit access to the container such as a baby wipecontainer, a child can hold the activated cover panel to provide adistraction to the child during diaper changes. When the sound deviceincludes a gravity sensor, the lid assembly can furthermore include adevice that senses when the cover panel is affixed to the base frame andwhen the cover panel is separable from the base frame. This device caninactivate the sound device when the cover panel is affixed to the baseframe in order to prevent the sound device from activating when thecontainer with closed lid assembly is turned upside down.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective and side view of a lid assemblyembodied as a label 170. The label can be coupled with the container 400by any suitable manner, such as adhesive or glue. As such, the label canbe separable from the container and reapplied to the container aftereach use. In this embodiment, the label 170 can be directly coupled tothe container without a base frame. As shown, the label 170 includes thesound device 230 therein having a sensor, such as a gravity sensor. Whenthe label 170 is pealed back, the sound device 230 can be activated andany products contained within the container can be accessible. The labelcan furthermore include a device that senses when the label is affixedto the container and when the label is separable from the container.This device can inactivate the sound device when the label is affixed tothe container in order to prevent the sound device from activating whenthe container with closed label is turned upside down.

The container 110 can contain any article capable of dispensing throughthe lid assembly 100. For example, the article can include baby wipes,moist toilet tissue or dry tissues, wipes, nonwoven materials, wovenmaterials, facial pads, and the like. As such, the article can by dry,moist, or wet and include lotions, chemical formulations, and the like.When the lid assembly is provided with a container coupled thereto, thelid assembly in the closed position hinders evaporation of moisture ofany wet wipes therein or can keep dry products therein protected from anexternal environment. Articles, such as wet wipes, within the container110 can be dispensed via a tortuous path as desired to further hinderevaporation. Further details regarding suitable dispensers andcontainers can be found in the commonly assigned U.S. Publication No.2014/0048553, entitled “Dispenser,” and in the commonly assigned U.S.Publication No. 2014/0103058, entitled “Wipes Dispenser and Disposal,”the contents of each of which is incorporated by reference in theirentireties. The lid assembly can be any suitable size, shape, andmaterial of construction to enable articles to be dispensedtherethrough.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, amethod of operating a dispenser, such as a musical wipes dispensercomprises providing a dispenser and lid assembly as further describedherein. The method includes moving the cover panel between the closedposition and the open position to access the wipes in the internalcavity; and activating the sound device when the cover panel movesbetween the closed position and the open position. The can furthercomprise deactivating the sound device when the cover panel is in theclosed position.

In commonly owned PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, which isincorporated by references herein it is entirety, an integration deviceis described that cooperates with a dispenser and lid of a wipespackage. It is contemplated herewith to include the lid assembly withthe sound device into the lid of the integration device itself, thuscreating a more permanent solution.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms ofcertain preferred embodiments and representative examples, those skilledin the art will recognize that various modifications and improvementscan be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from thescope thereof. Additional features known in the art likewise can beincorporated, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,939,320; 9,272,831;and D729,062; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/987,526; and PCT PublicationNo. WO 2016/007846, the contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by their entireties. Moreover, although individual features ofone embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed hereinor shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in otherembodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of oneembodiment can be combined with one or more features of anotherembodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, thedisclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments havingany other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimedherein. As such, the particular features presented herein can becombined with each other in other manners within the scope of thedisclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includesany suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. Thus, theforegoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description.It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subjectmatter to those embodiments disclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the device, system andmethod of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spiritor scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that thedisclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that arewithin the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lid assembly for a container, comprising: abase frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinalside thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and anopen position, the cover panel defining a housing; and a sound devicedisposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when thecover panel moves between the closed position and the open position. 2.The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device emits sound whenthe sound device is activated.
 3. The lid assembly of claim 2, whereinthe sound comprises at least one of a song, melody, music, or speech. 4.The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device at least one ofdisplays at least one image, releases a scent, or activates a light whenthe sound device is activated.
 5. The lid assembly of claim 1, whereinthe cover panel has a transition position between the closed positionand the open position.
 6. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the lidassembly further comprises an override button that deactivates the sounddevice when the cover panel is in the transition position or the openposition.
 7. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the sound device has asensor that activates the sound device in the transition position oropen position and deactivates the sound device in the closed position.8. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device comprises amovable insulating tab and a circuit, wherein the insulating tab engageswith the circuit to deactivate the sound device in the closed position.9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the insulating tab disengagesfrom the circuit in the open position to activate the sound device. 10.The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the insulating tab is coupled tothe base frame and extends into the housing.
 11. The lid assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the cover panel is hingedly coupled to the frame by atleast one of a living hinge, a butterfly hinge, a bi-fold hinge, a butthinge, a concealed hinge, or a continuous hinge.
 12. The lid assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the lid assembly is configured to be coupled to acontainer for dispensing wipes.
 13. The lid assembly of claim 12,wherein the sound device comprises a movable insulating tab and acircuit, wherein the insulating tab engages with the circuit todeactivate the sound device in the closed position and wherein theinsulating tab is coupled to the container for dispensing wipes.
 14. Thelid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sealing plate coupled withthe housing, wherein the sealing plate seals and secures the sounddevice within the housing.
 15. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein thebase frame defines an orifice therein.
 16. The lid assembly of claim 15,wherein a wipe is accessible through the orifice when the lid is in theopen position.
 17. A dispenser system comprising: a base compartmentdefining an internal cavity; and a lid assembly coupled with thecontainer having: a cover panel coupled to the base compartment, thecover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, thecover panel defining a housing, and a sound device disposed in thehousing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panelmoves between the closed position and the open position.
 18. Thedispenser system of claim 17, wherein the cover panel has a transitionposition between the closed position and the open position, wherein thelid assembly further comprises an override button that deactivates thesound device when the cover panel is in the transition position or theopen position.
 19. A method of operating a musical wipes dispenser,comprising: providing a dispenser including: a base compartment definingan internal cavity to house wipes therein, and a lid assembly coupledwith the container having: a base frame defining an orifice therein toaccess the internal cavity, a cover panel coupled to the base framealong a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between aclosed position to seal the orifice and an open position to permitaccess to the orifice, the cover panel defining a housing, and a sounddevice disposed in the housing; moving the cover panel between theclosed position and the open position to access the wipes in theinternal cavity; and activating the sound device when the cover panelmoves between the closed position and the open position.
 20. The methodof claim 19, further comprising deactivating the sound device when thecover panel is in the closed position.
 21. The method of claim 19,further comprising recording a tune with the sound device, wherein thesound device emits the tune when the sound device activated.